Issue 84: Avoid An Energy Slump

Our body’s main source of energy comes from glucose, or blood sugar, and it can affect if we burn fat or store it, how hungry we are and how energetic we feel. Here’s what happens. The pancreas manufactures a hormone called insulin that makes sure blood sugar gets into the body’s cells, where it is then used for energy.

When we eat refined sugar or carb-rich foods that are rapidly converted to blood sugar, however, our pancreas can go into overdrive and make an abundance of insulin. This results in an insulin surge that communicates with our bodies that there’s a store of energy available and that it needs to stop burning fat and start storing fat instead.

But there’s more to this story.

Repeated insulin surges like this can mean that too much blood sugar is being sent out of our blood. This, in turn, causes blood sugar levels and insulin levels to drop, creating an energy crisis as well as increased appetite, especially for something of high sugar content. Welcome to a vicious cycle that can sap your energy.

Blood sugar levels are pretty important to overall health, too. Healthy levels can mean that you are ready to take on what life throws your way. Unhealthy blood sugar levels, however, can leave you drained and have undesirable effects on your health—a phenomenon that is found throughout our country.

In fact, there are 23 million Americans who have consistently unhealthy blood sugar levels, with about 57 million who are at risk for developing unhealthy blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar levels gone crazy can be life-threatening, but blood sugar stability can be attained with proper dietary and lifestyle steps. No-carb or low-carb diets high in healthy proteins and fats or low-carb diets that include complex carbs, plenty of healthy fiber from whole foods such as raw veggies and some low-sugar fruits, can help maintain already healthy blood sugar levels

Additionally, low-glycemic foods containing sensible sweeteners such as stevia, cinnamon extract, antioxidants, chia seeds, chromium, and the B vitamin biotin may help keep blood sugar levels where they need to be, too.† The B vitamin biotin, particularly, is thought to promote glucose uptake in muscle tissue and may also support normal metabolism.† Likewise, cinnamon’s more than just a tasty spice. It is said to support healthy blood sugar & cholesterol levels and insulin production.

This kind of diet in conjunction with regular, sustained exercise can help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range and can maybe keep you from having an energy crisis.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This information is intended for educational and informational
purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination
or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine
diagnosis or course of treatment.